Community project sees new play park for village come to life

West Lindsey District Council says it has awarded Tealby Parish Council a grant of £23,925 from its Community Facilities Fund, helping to kick-start the transformation of the village green play area and create a safer, more welcoming space for children and families.

It is one of a number of projects supported through council funding to help refurbish parks and improve community facilities across West Lindsey.

Tealby Parish Council and local partners were prompted to work together on plans for a complete refresh of the much-loved, but ageing, village green facility.

Steve Spivey, chair of Tealby Parish Council, said the council grant gave the project the momentum it needed. “We received a really generous grant from West Lindsey District Council, which kick-started the entire scheme,” he said.

“The original play park was tired and really no longer fit for purpose, and so everything you see here now is new as we started from scratch.

“The village hall committee also very generously contributed towards the funds, which joined the money raised by the Village Green Committee and Tealby Parish Council.”

The completed play area now includes a trim trail, a dedicated toddler area and seating for parents and carers, making the space suitable for a wider range of ages and uses.

David Mercer, of Tealby Parish Council, said the improvements were already proving popular with local families. He said: “We’ve incorporated a new trim trail, a toddler area for little ones and an area where parents can sit and watch their children. It’s all very well used and is very popular during the week after school.”

Durability was also a key consideration. Much of the timber used in the new equipment is Accoya, a modified wood which is highly rot-resistant and designed to last longer, helping to create a sustainable community asset for years to come.

The project was also made possible by local fundraising and contributions from community organisations, including Tealby Village Hall Committee and the village shop.

Nigel Harris, Tealby Village Hall Committee member, said: “I’m really pleased that the work on the village green play equipment has been completed now; it’s fantastic.”

The completion of the project has been welcomed by ward members Councillors Stephen Bunney and Moira Westley.

Coun Bunney said: “This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when local people, community groups and the council work together.”

Coun Westley added: “Investing in parks and open spaces makes a real difference to village life, giving children safe, welcoming places to play and bringing families together.”

Gwen, who visited with her daughter Juno, said: “It’s really lovely to have an age-appropriate park. My daughter is two, so it’s great to have equipment that is safe for her to play on. It’s just a really lovely-looking resource for us.”